Arsene Wenger reveals goalkeeper said sorry to the squad for having a
cigarette after Southampton defeat but suggests he is still club's No1

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has apologised for smoking in the dressing-room after the defeat against Southampton and is adamant that his goalkeeper will learn from his mistakes.

Wenger refused to say whether Szczesny would keep his place against Stoke City on Sunday but says that he is generally happy with the 24-year-old and suggested that he remains his first-choice number one.

Szczesny has been fined £20,000 by the club for his breach of discipline and, after Jack Wilshere was also previously caught smoking, Wenger has this week reminded his players of the club rules on the issue.

“What happens in our dressing room stays in our dressing room apart from the fact that it doesn’t stay,” said Wenger, smiling.

Asked whether Szczesny would keep his place this weekend, he added: “I haven’t selected the first eleven yet. I take everything into account. I don’t think it has been damaging but ideally you want everyone to behave in a perfect way.

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“I like Wojciech as a person. When he makes a mistake he stands up for it. He has contributed as well to the good image of Arsenal football club. He is a guy who learns from his mistake.

“I am happy with his development. Yes, he did apologise. He is a serious boy who works very hard. He made a mistake. He is not the first one and not the last one. Every club has its own internal discipline or rules. It doesn’t need to be public.

“My issue is the player here is judged on their performances. Ideally to have a high level of performance is to behave as close as possible to the rules. I’m against smoking but have grown up in a period where, to accomplish military service, you are paid by cigarettes.

"You were encouraged. When I was a young boy I was surrounded by smokers. I smoked myself when I stopped playing and was a young coach. I was only alerted later. We know now it’s not good.”

Asked about the comments of Szczesny’s father, who described the Arsenal defence as an “embarrassment” and mocked Mertesacker’s performance against Southampton, Wenger added: “I don’t listen to the fathers, mothers, grandfathers and grandmothers.”

Wenger then claimed that he was not looking for a new goalkeeper.

“Petr Cech is at Chelsea and we have three goalkeepers who are top class,” he said. “I have no doubt we have the needed quality."